Addressing gaps in protection of health workers and infrastructures in fragile and conflict-affected states in Africa

Abstract

AbstractFragile and conflict-affected areas in Africa continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, causing underperformance on a wide range of health-related objectives. Africa is a testament to unprecedented level of insecurity ranging from inter-ethnic, inter-communal and intra-communal violence; religious strife; assassination; armed banditry; and kidnapping. There have been documented cases of violence against healthcare workers as well as the infrastructures. These situations impacted health service delivery in several ways such as spread of infectious diseases through population displacement and overcrowding, impaired access to healthcare because of the damage to medical facilities, death of healthcare workers and social unrest. In a bid to safeguard healthcare workers, health units, and health transportation, several strategies, policies and laws were put in place by worldwide institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council and the World Health Assembly. There is need for concerted effort to sustain healthcare services and ensure continuity of care in the face of conflict and instability in Africa. In addition, establishing and implementing evidence-based measures like adequate security measures, adherence to international humanitarian law, accountability, and advocacy are all necessary to protect health infrastructure and healthcare workers from attacks, kidnappings, and violence would help close the gaps that currently exist in protecting health workers and infrastructure in unstable and conflict-affected states in Africa. This article aims examine gaps in protecting health workers and infrastructure during armed conflicts in African countries, and propose strategies to strengthen legal frameworks and promote adherence to international humanitarian law in order to safeguard healthcare services in fragile and conflict-affected states.